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MAC overview

Zips, Rockets ready to challenge Marshall's reign

By Stan Crawley, Special to CNNSI.com

Akron quarterback James "Butchie" Washington and his teammates are hoping to unseat Marshall. Akron Sports Information

Order of Finish East 1. Akron 2. Marshall 3. Ohio 4. Bowling Green 5. Miami 6. Kent State 7. Buffalo West 1. Toledo 2. Northern Illinois 3. Western Michigan 4. Central Michigan 5. Eastern Michigan 6. Ball State

Top Storylines

During the last three seasons, Marshall has won 35 games, three MAC titles and two Motor City Bowls, capped by a 13-0 record and top-10 finish in 1999. This year, however, Akron and Toledo are the favorites to meet for the conference championship. Akron is celebrating its 100th year of football in 2000. Central and Eastern Michigan both welcome former assistants as their new head coaches. At Central Michigan, Mike DeBord comes on board after eight years as an assistant at Michigan. At Eastern Michigan, Jeff Woodruff takes over for Rick Rasnick. Woodruff was an assistant at Arizona and Washington.

Where They'll Be for the Holidays
BCS Blessed	Dot-Com Doomed	Confined to Couch
None	Akron Toledo	Marshall Bowling Green Ohio Miami Kent State Buffalo Northern Illinois Western Michigan Central Michigan Eastern Michigan Ball State

Best of All Worlds

Quarterback

Miami Mike Bath

Running Backs

Toledo Chester Taylor, Antwon McCray, William Bratton

Ends

Marshall Nate Poole, Chris Martin, Lanier Washington, Gregg Kellett, David Foye, John Cooper

Offensive Line

Akron Konrad Dean, Jeff Grezskowiak, Paul Ondrusek, Jeremiah Danielson, Scott Smith

Defensive Line

Toledo DeJuan Goulde, Jack McLean, Leo Frierson, David Bockmore, Phil Gibson, Sameer Hamood

Linebackers

Marshall Max Yates, George Miller, Alonzo Jones

Secondary

Marshall Maurice Hines, Danny Derricott, Doug Hodges, Michael Owens

Special Teams

Ohio Dave Zastudil, Devin Kerr, Raynald Ray, Wiz White

Coaching

Marshall Bob Pruett, Kevin Kelly, Ed Zaunbrecher

Status Report

Set to Go Skygliding

Akron After winning seven games in 1999, the Zips are ready to rock and roll.

Set to Go Cliffdiving

Marshall Anything less than a MAC championship will be a fall for the Thundering Herd, which has dominated the league the last three years.

About to Step Up

Chester Taylor, RB, Toledo Don't be surprised if the senior goes over 2,000 yards rushing in 2000.

Hasn't Stepped Up Yet

Chris Martin, WR, Marshall He may be small, but Martin is fearless and an outstanding route runner who reminds Marshall coach Bob Pruett of former Herd standout Tim Martin.

Schedules

Brutal Schedule

Bowling Green The Falcons open the season against Michigan and Pittsburgh. League powers Akron, Toledo and Marshall are also on the schedule.

Breather Schedule

Eastern Michigan All MAC schools play some tough opponents early, but the Eagles' set of South Carolina, Temple and Connecticut is relatively non-threatening.

Mark Your Calendar

Akron at Virginia Tech, Sept. 2 The Zips will quickly find out just how good they are. Marshall at Toledo, Oct. 14 This tough road test for the Herd should be a barn-burner. Marshall at Akron, Oct. 28 This one will be for the MAC East title.

Stan Crawley is a freelance college sports writer based in Chattanooga, Tenn.

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